Information
Access / security
Badges will be provided to participants and their accompanying persons during registration and will be required for admission to all Congress events.
Airport
In terms of infrastructure, equipment, resources and air traffic Madrid-Barajas Airport is the main airport facility in Spain and the fifth in Europe. Located just 12 km to the northeast of the city of Madrid, it is the biggest point of transports connection in Spain, it has underground, train, bus and taxi, thus being one of the fastest, easiest and comprehensive public transport access of the world. Likewise, Madrid- Barajas Airport is connected by road with the main access roads of the town:
· By bus
You can reach the airport using the Barajas Airport Express Line, a Service working as 24 hour a day, 365 days a year. At night, the Service finishes in Plaza de Cibeles, where you can connect with the night local bus network of EMT.
· By the underground
L8, Nuevos Ministerios-Barajas, brings you directly to the terminals from the city of Madrid.
· By train
The regional trains of RENFE (Spanish rails) arrives at T4 from Chamartín. From the regional trains you can access long-distance trains and AVE.
Manned assistance desks will be arranged by the organisers to provide you with any assistance that you may require. These desks will be operational from Saturday, 24 September 2016 till Sunday, 25 September 2016 / 10:00-19:00.
Banks
Banks are generally open from Monday to Friday between 8:00 and 14:00. They are closed on Saturdays and Sundays. All banks offer an ATM service to withdraw Euros (EUR) by credit or debit card.
Bus
Madrid has an extensive city bus network, run by the company Empresa Municipal de Transporte (EMT), which covers the whole city. All the vehicles that make up the EMT fleet, 2,000 in total, are air-conditioned. Madrid’s buses have special systems providing access for disabled persons. Congress transportation pass valid for bus.
Climate
Due to its location, the Community of Madrid has a continental climate with temperatures that range from 0º Celsius (32º F), or slightly lower in the winter, to up to 40º C (104º F) in the summertime. Yet, the temperatures in the northern mountainous area of the region are much colder than those mentioned above in the winter and milder in the summer.
The average annual temperature is 14º C (57.2 º F), ranging from 5º C (41º F) in the colder months to 25º C (77ºF) in the hotter.
The amount of rain varies, though it is mainly scarce in the large continental area of the region.
In September, Madrid experiences an average of 22º C (72º F) per day with a high of 29º C (84º F), and a low of only 14º C (57º F) during the evening.
Congress venue
Feria de Madrid – North Convention and Congress Centre
Recinto Ferial Juan Carlos I,
Avda. del Partenón, 5. 28042 Madrid (SPAIN)
Tel.: (34) 91 722 50 74
Fax: (34) 91 722 57 89
www.ifema.es
All Congress scientific sessions will be held at the Feria de Madrid – North Convention and Congress Centre Convention and Congress Centre. Plenary and parallel sessions will start at 9:15. Congress catering and refreshment services will be available daily in the exhibition area.
Congress technical secretariat
Before and after the Congress:
Barceló Congresos
c/ Albasanz, 16. 2nd floor
28037 Madrid (SPAIN)
Tel: +34 912 30 04 65
Fax: +34 971 59 38 11
E-mail: ifamadrid2016@barcelocongresos.com
www.ifamadrid2016.com
During the congress registration, hotel accommodation, tours, exhibition and Madrid information desks will be located on the ground floor of the North Convention Center.
Onsite opening hours:
Sunday, 25 September 08:15–22:00
Monday, 26 September 08:15–16:45
Tuesday, 27 September 08:15–16:45
Wednesday, 28 September 08:15–17:45
Thursday, 29 September 08:15–16:45
Currency / credit cards
As in most EU countries, Spain’s official currency is the euro (€). There are one hundred cents in a euro. Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport, Atocha and Chamartín train stations, and the main transport hubs – Avenida de América, Méndez Álvaro and Moncloa – are dotted with foreign currency exchange offices. There are several bureaux de change in central Madrid, especially in Puerta del Sol. Most banks and some hotels offer currency exchange services as well, and there are ATM availables throughout Madrid. Credit cards are widely accepted, including in taxis.
Dress code
Business attire is requested for all Congress functions and social events.
Educational credits
Attending the IFA Congress sessions, delegates are entitled to download their certificates of attendance as well as their certificates of sessions they were participated in, through the online platform once the Congress is ended.
Sessions do not qualify for Continuing Educational Credits.
Electricity
Electricity supply in Spain is 220V. Plugs have two round pins. A standard travel adaptor plug will enable you to use appliances from abroad. Most hotels will supply you with one.
Emergencies
Police Dial 091
Ambulance Dial 061
Fire brigade Dial 080/085
International emergency Dial 112
A first-aid officer will be present at the Feria de Madrid – North Convention and Congress Centre during the Congress.
Exhibition
The Congress exhibition will be open daily. The exhibition area will include exhibits by sponsors and information on future Congresses. All food and beverages will be served in the exhibition area.
Exhibition opening hours:
Internet café and wireless internet
The IFA 2016 Congress will have wireless Internet connection in all areas. An Internet café will be located in the exhibition area.
Liability / insurance
All reasonable endeavours will be made to hold the 70th IFA Congress Madrid 2016 as programmed. However, the Organisation of the 70th IFA Congress Madrid 2016 (IFA, AEDF and Barceló Congresos) has the right, for any reason beyond its control, to modify or cancel without prior notice, scientific sessions, social events or any of the arrangements, timetables, plans or other items of the Congress. The Organisation will not assume indemnities or reimbursement of fees/deposits requested by participants in case of cancellation of the whole Congress due to unforeseen or force majeure circumstances, such as hurricane, flooding, earthquake, volcanic eruption, strike, riot, war, terrorism, etc.
Neither the Organisation nor their officers, employees, representatives or agents will be responsible for any loss, damage, expenditure or inconvenience caused to participants and their belongings, during or as a result of their participation in the Congress. Participants are advised to consider procuring their own insurance against any such occurrences.
Lost property
Lost or unattended items will be held at the IFA Congress registration desk, where participants can enquire about their property. Should a participant spot any unattended or lost items, we kindly ask that they report this immediately to the Congress staff.
Mobile phones
Please contact your mobile phone service provider to confirm that your electronic devices are compatible with the European standard. The country code for Spain is +34. To make an international call from Madrid, dial 00 followed by the code for the country you wish to call and the subscriber number.
Official airline
The oneworld Alliance has been designated as the official airline alliance for air travel to attend the 2016 IFA Congress.
oneworld® is pleased to be the official airline alliance of the 70th Congress of the International Fiscal Association
As a registered attendee, you can access discounted flights for travel to this event
attendee benefits
• Discounts on flights for attendees and one travel companion.
• Travel up to 7 days before and 7 days after the event.
• Flights available from all oneworld member airlines and affiliates.
• Enjoy a user-friendly booking tool showing the most convenient flight options.
• 24-hour support via email or phone.
• Earn rewards and tier status points on eligible oneworld flights.
• Frequent flyer privileges including access to some 650 premium airport lounges worldwide, fast track at security lanes in selected airports and extra baggage allowance.*
• Seamless connections and quality service on oneworld member airlines.
Take advantage today
Visit www.oneworld.com/events, select ‘Attendee’ and enter event code OW15E16 to access our online booking tool.
oneworld, the premier global airline alliance, brings together 15 leading airlines from around the world – airberlin, American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific Airways, Finnair, Iberia, Japan Airlines, LAN Airlines, TAM Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, Qantas, Qatar Airways, Royal Jordanian, S7 Airlines and SriLankan Airlines. Together with around 30 affiliate members, oneworld’s network currently serves more than 1,000 destinations in 150 countries. For more information please visit www.oneworld.com.
*Privileges depend on your oneworld tier status level. For more information visit www.oneworld.com/benefits.
Official congress language
The Congress language is English. All sessions will be conducted in English.
Passport and visa requirements
Requirements for obtaining your visa to enter Spain may vary between countries. For full details on how to apply for a visa, you should contact the Spanish Embassy in your country. Visit the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website for a list of Spanish embassies around the world. Please submit your visa application early as it can take between 6 and 8 weeks to process, or in exceptional cases even longer, depending on the season. The Congress organisers would be pleased to send a formal letter of invitation to registered delegates who require an invitation letter for visa purposes. It is understood that such an invitation is intended to help registered delegates to raise funds or to obtain a visa. This does not imply a commitment from the Congress to provide any financial support.
Letters of invitation may be requested from the Congress secretariat. The letters will be sent by email.
Photographer
A professional photographer will cover the various events during the Congress. Photographs will be uploaded after the Congress at www.ifamadrid2016.com.
Poster programme
A maximum of 10 candidates will be selected for the 2016 poster programme. Posters will be available for viewing in the exhibition area.
Questionnaire and gift
Every participant of the IFA Congress 2016 is kindly requested to give feedback on the Congress by completing the official questionnaire. The form will be collected by the hostesses at the registration desks and in the exhibition area. In exchange for every completed questionnaire, we will be giving away a free gift.
Refreshment breaks
Food and beverages (including vegetarian food) will be served from Monday 26 to Thursday 29 September in the exhibition area:
Restaurants
Talking about Madrilenian cuisine means we are talking about variety. Over 3,100 restaurants delight the most exquisite palates, adding even more flavour to its gastronomy. Madrid can be considered a melting pot of all the different cuisines in the world and, of course, Spanish specialties as well.
Regional cuisines are, indeed, well represented in Madrid, hence the variety of stews, roasts, salads, pastries, wines and liqueurs that compose the city’s gastronomic offering.
In addition to its 16 Michelin starwinning restaurants (boasting a total of 23 stars), the city offers a staggering variety of dining options, from the most traditional fare to the most sophisticated, cutting-edge culinary creations.
Madrid also has exclusive establishments where rooms can be booked to hold private parties or relish the chef’s choice in a more intimate setting. These restaurants are famed for their meticulously prepared dishes, superb service and exquisite décor.
In addition, there are numerous markets where visitors can not only buy products but also eat, enjoy a midday coffee or an evening cocktail with friends, watch concerts and see exhibitions or attend a range of other events. It’s a new urban trend.
For further information, visit the gastronomy section at www.esmadrid.com/en/madrid-food-and-drink
Shopping
Shops in Madrid open at 9 or 10am and close between 8 and 10pm, and most of them don’t close over lunch. Some (especially those far from the city centre) close from 2 to 4 or 5pm. In Madrid, shops don’t have restricted opening hours, as local regulations governing shopping days and times grant retailers freedom to close or remain open. The shops and businesses in the districts on the tourist map, mostly Puerta del Sol and Gran Vía, will be open even on Sunday and bank holidays.
Shop windows, stalls and stands showcase all of their charms to passersby who, seduced by such a display, can’t but buy something. Going shopping in Madrid is very tempting, given the variety, the quality and the numerous and appealing possibilities one will come vacross. Visitors will find products for every taste and every pocket, at shops ranging from the most avant-garde establishments to traditional shops in the old part of town.
Sophisticated boutiques in Calle Serrano, alternative outlets in Chueca and bohemian shops in the Literary Quarter. Madrid has many styles, as do the plethora of stores that are dotted around the city. Stroll its neighbourhoods and find trends to suit all tastes and to fit all occasions.
In 2014, Madrid was chosen as the second-best city in Europe for shopping (Globe Shopper Index)
Smoking policy
Smoking is banned in all indoor public places and restaurants in Madrid. The Feria de Madrid – North Convention and Congress Centre is a smoke-free event and smoking is not permitted.
Speakers preview room
A Speaker preview room will be available for chairs, panellists and secretaries of all panels to check or finalise their audio-visual presentations for the respective sessions. The room will be located at the North Convention Center (1st Floor) and will be equipped with computers and printers.
Subway
The underground (Metro) is the fastest, most efficient and most affordable way to move around Madrid. The city has a vast metropolitan network, one of the most comprehensive in Europe, and covers almost all the points in the capital and many of the neighbouring areas. Currently, there are twelve metro lines and three Metro Ligero (tramway) lines. Out of all these, Line 8 (Nuevos Ministerios – Airport T4) is particularly noteworthy. This modern line connects the capital to Barajas international airport, arriving in only 12 minutes to the rest of terminals, and to Madrid’s Trade Fair grounds (Feria de Madrid). The underground system covers a total of 293 km. Congress transportation pass valid for subway.
Taxes
Normally, value added tax (VAT) amounts to 21% of the taxable turnover. In contrast, the consumption of food and beverages in restaurants and hotels as well as overnight stays in hotels (including breakfast) are taxed at a special rate of 10%. Certain everyday goods are taxed at a reduced rate of 4%. These include food,non-alcoholic drinks, books, newspapers, magazines and medication.
Taxis
There are more than 16,000 taxis in Madrid, so it is not usually difficult to find one available in the city’s main thoroughfares. Just make a sign and they will be keen to stop! Prices are quite reasonable, considering that a one-way trip from the city centre to the airport costs 30 euros. You can recognise a taxi by the sign “TAXI” on a white car. There may be surcharges for trips in the evening or on Sundays.
Time
Madrid is one hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).
Tipping
In Madrid, you may tip or not depending exclusively on how happy you are with the service you get. Among the locals, at least, it’s always been up to the consumer to decide whether and how much to tip. Your waiter won’t protest if you just get up and leave.
Some restaurants may add a 2- or 3-euro charge to the bill for bread and appetisers, a service which they have the obligation to tell you about and which you can refuse. As a general rule, it’s you who decide whether to reward the quality of the service and the kindness of the staff with a gratuity.
The same rule applies in hotels, taxis, beauty or hair salons, and other one-on-one services. Remember that in all establishments, service is included in the price. This isn’t the case in hotels and restaurants, where the legend IVA NO INCLUIDO (VAT NOT INCLUDED) usually comes next to the price. This means you should add 10%.
Transportation (public)
The Regional Transport Consortium of Madrid offers a complete network of train, underground and buses. Download the Metro, Train and bus maps. For timetables and details of the Madrid public transport system network, please visit: www.ctm-madrid.es
Congress Transportation Card
On the day of your arrival, you will receive upon registration a free Congress Transportation Card which will allow you to use the public transport network during the Congress days (from Sunday 25 to Thursday 29 September 2016).